Event Title

Presenter Information

Location

Diamond 223

Start Date

1-5-2014 1:00 PM

End Date

1-5-2014 3:30 PM

Project Type

Presentation

Description

One of the most important aspects leading to American success in World War II was a solidified home-front effort. Baseball acted as the glue to keep Americans happy, productive, and employed during this time, and reflected the social and economic changes occurring in the United States at the time. Two parties, baseball and the American public, symbiotically grew to outlast whatever challenges war brought. The social, economic, and structural changes to the game combined to make baseball profitable and accessible to those who truly needed jobs or entertainment, despite a conscription policy that tore many families apart. Although the draft stole many exceptional players away from Major League Baseball, the sport adapted and endured, successfully maintaining its status as Americas favorite pastime. Just as Americans had to evolve to survive a war, so did baseball.

Faculty Sponsor

Elizabeth Leonard

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. History Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Social Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

162

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May 1st, 1:00 PMMay 1st, 3:30 PM

Baseball in World War II: How the Draft Cemented America's National Pastime

Diamond 223

One of the most important aspects leading to American success in World War II was a solidified home-front effort. Baseball acted as the glue to keep Americans happy, productive, and employed during this time, and reflected the social and economic changes occurring in the United States at the time. Two parties, baseball and the American public, symbiotically grew to outlast whatever challenges war brought. The social, economic, and structural changes to the game combined to make baseball profitable and accessible to those who truly needed jobs or entertainment, despite a conscription policy that tore many families apart. Although the draft stole many exceptional players away from Major League Baseball, the sport adapted and endured, successfully maintaining its status as Americas favorite pastime. Just as Americans had to evolve to survive a war, so did baseball.